A good, serviceable backpacking first aid kit and the basic knowledge of how to use it are essential gear and preparation for any outdoor activity. Minor cuts and scrapes, blisters, sore muscles, chafing from poorly fitting clothing, these are all common occurrences on any camping tips or even a day…
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If you’re not already familiar with Solo Stove, they became well known for the popular efficient, eco-wood burning, Solo Stove Campfire for backpacking. Riding on Campfire’s success, Solo Stove has launched a new Kickstarter Campaign for their new fire pit product, the Bonfire. The design is based on the same engineering principles of…
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A short backpacking excursion to Bear Lake in Emigrant Wilderness afforded my buddy Wade and I a chance to properly do a Sawyer water filter review, and give it a proper test outdoors. I’ve used a PUR (now Katadyn) Hiker for the last 15 years. After looking at all the best backpacking water filtration…
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If you’re like me, you’ve been sleeping in tents for years without so much as a thought to how comfortable you were. The drain of the day’s activities usually wears me out so that I just wriggle into my sleeping bag and pass out. It wasn’t until I was lent…
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Remember the days when providing enough light at night in the undeveloped outdoors meant using a fuel-based, mantle camping lantern? Sure, they provide enough light as if having a mini-sun the size of a ping-pong ball, but the downside can outweighs the benefits: expensive fuel, delicate mantles disintegrate easily, not…
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Aside from your boots, you probably won’t find a more important factor of your hiking experience than your backpack. Choosing the right pack can ensure that you grind out those miles as comfortably as possible while choosing the wrong pack can make your hike miserable. I’ve had the opportunity to…
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Here’s a handy new tool developed by Techknew, called the Crank Carabiner that’s been recently launched on Kickstarter. It’s essentially a keychain multi-tool with a ton of handy uses when camping/backpacking. Here’s the official press release below: Greeley, CO: Colorado start up, Techknew inc. launches its first kickstarter campaign in…
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If you’re a strong hiker who is just going out for a day hike, you may or may not choose to head outside with one or a pair of trusty hiking poles. If you’re joints are on the fritz or your hike includes several days, hiking poles are almost a…
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When you’re out there on the trail, you will inevitably encounter some not-so-optimal weather. Whether it’s wind, rain, snow, sleet, or hail, you need a rain jacket to protect you from the elements. If you haven’t splurged on your other gear, start here. A quality backpacking rain jacket can turn…
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In this video by Sierra Trading Post, John gives a great review of the general different types of sleeping pads available for backpacking. John mentions there are two main purposes for using a pad: To provide some cushioning from the hard ground to improve your nights’ sleep To provide some…
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So you’re planning a backpacking trip and need some new gear for water purification. Only one question remains – what’s the best backpacking water filter? There’s quite a few lightweight, effective water filters on the market these days. Below are some different examples to to choose what best fits your needs: Sawyer Mini Water…
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Those of you whom both backpack and find photography as a passion know it can a real pain when your exhausted from hiking, yet run across an opportunity to capture an amazing shot with your DSLR camera, but it’s packed away in your backpack. Having to stop, unbuckle your backpack…
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External vs. Internal Frame Backpacks Below, Ryestudios discusses the different aspects of internal vs external frame backpacks. The two backpacks he reviews are Kelty Trekker 3900 ST external frame backpack and the Kelty Red Cloud internal frame backpack. The Kelty Red Cloud internal frame backpack is a better option for colder temperature…
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The Biolite Base Camp Stove has been around for a little while now. What’s unique about itis that it’s a self-contained wood-fire cooking unit, where you can simple use fallen branches or small pieces of firewood to cook you meals – so it’s very efficient and uses a sustainable source for your…
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Simply put, this isn’t your daddy’s Thermarest! I had a chance to try one of these Neolite Xlite pads out, and compared to what I normally use, this pad was amazing. Extremely comfortable, the Neolite Xlite is about 2.5 inches thick when inflated but you’d think it’s alot more. When…
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Plan on going on an extended trek in the backcountry? Advancements in technology, both in renewable energy, as well as the efficiency & capabilities of hand-held devices/gadgets have converged to create a unique market – portable eco-power sources for your USB powered gadgets. MINIPAK 2W by Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies…
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